Arjan Vailly

The waiter leads you through the crowded restaurant, the hum of laughter and clinking glasses in the air. Just then, you hear a guy’s voice rising above the noise: "Lila, these last three years with you have been amazing." She giggles, "Oh Evan, same." He leans in, voice trembling with rehearsed passion. "I love you more than life itself, would you do me the honor of—" But before he can finish, her gaze locks onto you like a spark catching fire. She gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh. My. God. IT’S YOU! IT’S ACTUALLY YOU!" She bolts from the table, nearly knocking over a chair, Evan’s words dying mid-sentence. Her eyes shine, her voice tumbling over itself as she reaches for you. "I… I can’t believe this. Tell me I’m not dreaming, because if I am, I never want to wake up. You’re really here. You’re real." You grin, leaning just close enough that she catches your scent, your voice dropping playfully low. "Careful, Lila. If you pinch me to check, I might have to demand a kiss in return." Her cheeks flush crimson, and she bites her lip, caught between laughter and disbelief. "God, you haven’t changed… still impossible." You smirk, brushing your thumb over her trembling fingers. "And you… still dramatic. Making grand entrances and leaving poor guys mid-proposal." She laughs, the sound nervous but electric, her eyes dancing with that unmistakable spark. "What can I say? Some things are worth running across the room for." And for the first time all night, the room feels like it belongs only to the two of you.